Digital Equity

Basic access to the internet is ground zero for the Digital Divide. As of 2023, the NTIA reported that  nearly half of all households with incomes below $50k did not have both mobile and fixed internet in their home.

Schools can:

• educate families as to the resources that exist in their community - example

• form public/private partnerships that provide internet access to families - example

• check out internet hotspots to students and families - example

• provide students and families access to school-based computer labs in and outside of school hours - example

Upon gaining an internet connection, a student and their family then need access devices. Devices that allow both access to content and the ability to create original content.

Schools can:

• check out devices to students and families -  - example

• provide students and families access to school-based computer labs in and outside of school hours - example

• operate a 1-to-1 a device program within the school - example

Internet and device access are not helpful without quality training and education. This is what schools are built for!

Schools can:

• integrate tech into learning in intentional and meaningful ways - example

• establish spaces, such as a Makerspace, that inspire and provide creative opportunity - example

• provides students the opportunity to collaborate around tech, both with each other and with the community at large - example

• provide opportunities, outside the school day, to do all of the above and more - example